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Is There A Blood Test To Determine Serotonin Levels?
Question: is there a blood test you can get done to check seretonin levels ?
Brief Answer:
yes, one available , used to diagnose carcinoid syndrome
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There is a blood test for serotonin but it is mostly used in persons who are suspected of having carcinoid syndrome. It is used to diagnose this condition.
It is not usually used outside of this setting.
If a person is suspected of having toxicity due to SSRI or medications that raise serotonin levels then a host of investigations are done but even then this test may not be included.
I hope this helps, feel fee to ask any other questions
yes, one available , used to diagnose carcinoid syndrome
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There is a blood test for serotonin but it is mostly used in persons who are suspected of having carcinoid syndrome. It is used to diagnose this condition.
It is not usually used outside of this setting.
If a person is suspected of having toxicity due to SSRI or medications that raise serotonin levels then a host of investigations are done but even then this test may not be included.
I hope this helps, feel fee to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
why dont they do it for people who have depression ?
Brief Answer:
depression is monitored based on symptoms and sign changes
Detailed Answer:
HI
Depression is monitored mainly by checking on person's symptoms and signs to see if there is any improvement with the medication.
Even if serotonin levels are increased but the person is not showing any clinical improvement then the medication may need adjustment
Or a person may have no significant change in level but some change in mood and outlook so it is mainly monitoring changes in behavior, mood, sleep , appetite etc
Please feel free to ask anything else
depression is monitored based on symptoms and sign changes
Detailed Answer:
HI
Depression is monitored mainly by checking on person's symptoms and signs to see if there is any improvement with the medication.
Even if serotonin levels are increased but the person is not showing any clinical improvement then the medication may need adjustment
Or a person may have no significant change in level but some change in mood and outlook so it is mainly monitoring changes in behavior, mood, sleep , appetite etc
Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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